esspressotrips

Something about coffee

Tag Archives: latte


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Aromas World: Espresso, Sandwiches, Soups and Pastries

Aromas world picThis bustling coffee house is conveniently located in New Port News-Center City. Very nicely decorated with an Old World décor. Aromas is a nice spot to relax or hang out with family and friends. That is however, after you finally have the opportunity to place and receive your order!

The service was poor and extremely slow. The cashier was rude and uninviting. The Barrista clearly enjoyed his job but appeared overwhelmed with orders. He had NO HELP! We waited more than 20 minutes for three of our beverages. My husband had the pumpkin cheesecake latte. It was way too sweet. My daughters had the Apple Pie and European Steamers. While very tasty, they were too hot. I asked (multiple times) for the steamers to be mildly warmed, as they were “kid” drinks. My fix: Ice, to make them safe for my babies to drink. My son had a peppermint tea. Can’t mess that up so he was fine. Now, I had a lightly sweetened “Honey Do” Latte. It was pretty good but not something I would order again.

Honestly, even though our wait was long and our drinks not up to par, we had a good time with the Fam! I enjoyed that more than anything!

Momma and Dia

If you are in the area and need a nice large place to meet friends/family, check them out. Perhaps you will receive better service than we did:(

Yours in Coffee,

Alicia


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Barefoot Buddha~ Your Happy Place

Barefoot Buddha (BB)~ Your Happy Place

U.S. Virgin Islands

Your Happy Place: The slogan says it all!!!

My husband and I visited the Virgin Islands for our 1st Anniversary. It was an awesome trip with lots to offer.  We enjoyed the beaches,  site seeing, shopping, restaurants and much more.

Mr. Nice Guy (our transporter and guide) took us to BB at least three times during our visit. The breakfast and lunch menus are very gourmet, with unique flavor combinations. On one of our visits I had the Buddha Blessing Sandwich and Creamy Tomato Basil Soup. BB also has some of the most delicious brownies and muffins. The Carrot Muffin was the best ever!!! Also served, are a variety of teas, soups and salads.

The coffee bar was superb. The Baristas offer exceptional service and explained the drink menu very well.  After lots of contemplating,  I had a very creamy and perfect coconut latte.

Another unique feature is the boutique, located adjacent to the BB restaurant/coffee bar. BB is a must if you are ever in the Virgin Islands.

Check it out! You just may find your Happy Place:)

Espresso Love,

Alicia


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Mill Mountain ~ Coffee and Tea Downtown Roanoke VA

 

 

Picture Credit: www.pinterest.com

Picture Credit: http://www.pinterest.com

Mill Mountain has become our “go to” coffee shop on road trips to TN, NC and SC. Their philosophy is “Be the Best”. Being the best can be achieved by roasting the beans on location and by providing excellent customer service.   Mill Mountain roasts their beans for use in the coffee house and ships them globally. It is clear that this makes the difference cup after cup. However, Mill Mountain lacks a bit when it comes to great customer service.

The service is usually pretty slow (even when we are first in line???) and many times the cashiers are less than friendly. The barristers are a different story! It is evident that they enjoy their craft. From the Vanilla Latte to the Espresso Cooler each drink has been hand crafted to our expectations. Fresh and Delicious and Always Consistent! They also make a mean breakfast sandwich! The bacon egg and cheese is my favorite:)

If you ever find yourself in Downtown Roanoke, you should give them a try! It’s  definitely the coffee that brings us back year after year:)

Here’s the link: www.millmountaincoffee.com/

 

Coffee is Love,

Alicia


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Commonwealth Coffee Birmingham, Michigan ~Hamilton Row

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Sweet Jesus! I am not sure whom else to call on after experiencing this “Rock Star” of a coffee house. This is where Class, Simplicity and Rustic meet at the fork in the road.

Walking into Commonwealth I knew I was in for a real treat and it was certainly not for it’s simple yet rustic decor! Not to worry, who needs fancy when you experience the unique “uncommon pleasures” that Commonwealth has to offer? The line was long (but moved quick), there was not a seat left in the house and the spirit was high! It was evident that folks where happy to be in this establishment.

Commonwealth Coffee House offers what appears to be an incredible culinary experience. Using local ingredients and vendors raises the bar in what they are able to accomplish on their menu. It left me feeling like “Dang” “I wish I hadn’t eaten breakfast already!! For example, The Fried Egg Sandwich is made with guacamole, Pinconning cheese, and hot sauce on multigrain toast with a side salad! Sounds so good….right?! Also, a recent tweet says, “Have you tried our tea sandwich (with radish, cucumber, herbed goat cheese, pickled carrots & mustard greens) yet? Also there are a vast array of pastries such as, macaroons, muffins, sweet breads, brownies and cookies. My family and I tried the brownies and the chocolate chip cookies. Yummo!!!!

Finally, the coffee bar was spectacular. Commonwealth roasts single origin coffee beans in house, which is a great start in my book! The “pour over” station and espresso bar was an exciting and fascinating thing to watch. The Baristas where truly operating in their “element”. My husband and I had the  © Latte.  What is a  © Latte…you ask?   Well, it is a traditionally made latte with sweetened condensed milk. Need I say more? It was just PERFECT!!!! Whew!

Listen, do yourselves a favor and check out this Coffee House! It is truly one of the best!!

Commonwealth:  http://www.gocommonwealth.com/

 

Coffee Love,

Alicia

 

 

 


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The Bean and Leaf Coffee Café ~ Royal Oak, MI

The French Vietnamesse Latte_The Bean and Leaf

The Bean and Leaf Cafe is an independently owned coffee house that offers fair trade coffee, teas, pastries, sandwiches, vegan and gluten free options. The menu appears to be very extensive with something for all to enjoy.

I didn’t get my usual latte or cappuccino. I order the French Vietnamese Latte. This coffee drink is made with Chicory, Espresso, and Condensed Milk. It was very good and a recipe that I was not familiar with.

This house is pretty simple in décor but not in coffee. The staff was friendly and attentive. There was lots of seating, free WiFi and a small art gallery. The Bean and Leaf Cafe is a nice place to visit and Voted the Best Independent Coffee Shop by Hour Magazine. Check it out if you are in Royal Oak, MI.

The Bean and Leaf Coffee Café: http://www.mybeanandleaf.com/

 

Coffee Love,

Alicia

 

BeanRushCafe

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BeanRushCafe_pic

Pictured:Yelp.com

BeanRushCafe~Roaster-Baker-Sandwich Maker~ beanrushcafe.com

Crownsville, Maryland

The Bean Rush Cafe is a hidden jewel in Crownsville, MD.  I would describe it as not only a hidden jewel, but also an unassuming treasure. This coffee and teahouse has a lot to offer.  The menu has sandwiches, soups, salads, pastries, AND Oh Yes…Coffee!  I had the pleasure of partaking in the Honey Bee Latte (lightly sweeten) and LET me tell you it was remarkably delicious.  It had a very smooth taste and it didn’t come with the bitter finish that some espresso drinks have.  I also had the Soup and Sandwich Combo-Tuna Sandwich on wheat and Turkey Chili (Yumo!)

The BeanRushCafe staff presented as very polite, patient and knowledgeable of the menu items.  It’s warm and inviting atmosphere will bring me back to this “Hometown” establishment.  The proprietors have it right in terms of customer service, menu items and of course good ole’ espresso! Check it out!

Coffee Love,

Alicia


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Ebenezer’s~ Coffee with a Cause

Ebenezer~ Coffee with a Cause~ ebenezerscoffeehouse.com

Washington, DC

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As a Christian and Human Services Provider I understand the mission of Ebenezer’s Coffee House.  They offer and sale Fair Trade Coffee to support producers in developing countries to make better trading conditions and promote sustainability. According to their website they are owed and operated by the National Community Church and all proceeds go to their Outreach Programs. Ebenezer offers a small variety of baked goods and devotional books for your edification.

I have visited this Coffee House on many occasions and find it to be one of the most consistent in terms of service and in products. I have ordered various iced and hot espresso drinks.  They have all been very good.  Most recently, I order the Toasted Marshmallow Latte (seasonal item).  It was so very delicious.  The flavor was bold but smooth.  It was very hot (unlike some coffee shops) and lightly sweetened.

Coffee with a Cause is all right with me!  Check them out: http://ebenezerscoffeehouse.com/ .  You will see that their products and service is superb!

Coffee Love,

Alicia


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Zed’s Café ~ One Big Living Room

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Zed’s Café ~ One Big Living Room

zedscafe.com

Silver Spring, MD

After reading the reviews, I thought I’d give this coffeehouse a try. The slogan: “One Big Living Room” is so descriptive of the feel! You just want to settle in with your cup and relax.

The atmosphere is cozy, uniquely decorated with lots of eclectic art, chairs, tables, books, and a record player! Yes, you can play your vinyl albums at Zed’s.

The staff is very attentive and accommodating.  They have a wide variety of food offerings and desserts. I ordered “The Drink of the Day”~ a White Chocolate Coconut Cappuccino. Say that three times fast! It was absolutely delish! The foam was insane!  It must have stood at least 2 inches tall! So tall, I started consumption with a spoon! Perfectly blended and carefully crafted this cappuccino was one of the best.

The proprietor at this coffeehouse is doing it Right!  I will certainly visit this spot again. Check it out and you will see what the “One Big Living Room” in Silver Springs, MD is all about:)

Coffee Love,

Alicia

Marty’s Market Pittsburgh PA~ Strip District

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Photo credit: http://www.inthestrip-pgh.com/

 Photo credit: http://www.inthestrip-pgh.com/

Marty’s Market~

http://martysmarket.com/

Pittsburgh PA~ Strip District

During our Annual Family Reunion In May 2013, we had the opportunity to visit the Strip District of Pittsburgh PA. Personally, I went there in search of a good ‘ole espresso drink.  Well, I found that and a lot more! Marty’s Market.

This Market is an incredible venue. I am sure the locals enjoy this meeting place, but it is certainly a destination for visitors.  The “Farm Fresh” Cafe offers great tasting, locally inspired foods that are uniquely pleasing to the palate. The market offers, fresh organic produce, a wide variety of spices, dairy and other pantry staples.  The coffee bar is one of the best I have ever visited. They serve single origin coffee, loose teas and a few pastries. I ordered the Honey Cardamom Latte. This latte was Nothing Like I Had EVER tasted.  It was terrific. So smooth, lightly sweeten and the cardamom takes the experience to another level. I enjoyed it so much that I went back the next day.

Great Service, Great Food, and GREAT COFFEE!


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4thebest.clickondetroit.com

4thebest.clickondetroit.com

Avalon International Breads~ The Sweet Spot in Mid- Town~Detroit Michigan

Avalon has become one of my favorite places to visit in Detroit. It is a great meeting place with a rustic, but welcoming atmosphere.  They have the best brewed coffee. The Latte is the creamiest you will find in Mid Town Detroit.  Not only is it smooth and creamy, but its bold flavor paired with its creamy texture offers a perfect balance and finish.  Now, I am not typically one for iced coffee, but Oh My Goodness is their’s good? Yes!!!  It has a unique velvety texture that makes for an enjoyable treat on a hot summer day.

While I must admit that initially I went there for the coffee, their organic baked goods are amazing!  The Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookie is completely Insane! Other favorites are the, Cranny Granny Muffin, Brioche, Brownie, Peanut butter and the Molasses Cookies.

Again,  I love the rustic atmosphere and the personable service is unique. Avalon International Breads is a staple in Detroit’s Mid-Town and is a favorite among many.

Avalon Bakery ~ http://www.avalonbreads.net/goodies/breads/

Coffee Love,

Alicia